Gatehouse of Fleet is the perfect base for a wide range of holiday activities. Within the space of about 6 miles, the valley of the Fleet moves from the high moorland at the top of the valley through the pastoral landscape of the mid valley, to the beaches and open estuary of the bay.

The top of the valley is characterised by its wild landscape with great open expanses of moorland. Hill walking, both easy going and more rigorous, and long distance cycling along forest roads to scattered lochs amongst the hills are good options here. The mid-valley offers a gentler landscape of small fields and farms, walks along the river side and in the woods either side. At the foot of the valley the expanse of Fleet Bay opens up, and around its edge is a varied coastline of both sandy beaches and rocky shorelines. Throughout the valley there is rich and abundant flora and fauna. Both the valley and the surrounding area is full of historical interest from prehistory through the medieval period with castles and abbeys to the historic town of Gatehouse - a product of the industrial revolution. Many activities are available either organised or self-guided. As mentioned above the area is a walkers paradise with trails to suit every level and taste. Small roads and off-road tracks cater for cyclists, and the bay is a safe option for sailing craft and other watersports.

Gatehouse of Fleet offers unrivalled opportunities for all sorts of walks. There are trails of varying length through the beautiful Cally Oak Woods and Carstramon Wood. There are walks to the sea and across open country within the Fleet Valley National Scenic Area, as well as longer walks in the surrounding hills.

Gatehouse of Fleet has many local woodland, forestry and hill trails. A short drive from Gatehouse of Fleet and you reach the Galloway Forest Park and the mountains of Merrick (2764 feet) and Cairnsmore of Fleet (2330 feet).

Gatehouse of Fleet is host to festivals and events throughout the year including Gala Week at the end of July/beginning of August and Midsummer Music over midsummer weekend.

The Wickerman Festival takes place in July each year near Dundrennan, not far from Gatehouse. The cult film "The Wickerman" used locations in and around Gatehouse. For more information on this visit the Wickerman site.

Dark Skies

Forestry Commission Scotland has established part of Galloway Forest Park as the first Dark Sky Park in the UK, the result of some 15 months of work pulling together audits, controls and readings from around the forest park. Announced on Monday the 16th November 2009 in the International Year of Astronomy, it is a massive achievement for the UK and the south West of Scotland. Further details on the Forestry Commission website, click here.

Meals are available at all the hotels. The Masonic Arms in Ann St has a restaurant and light meals and refreshments are available at the Riverside Café at the Mill on the Fleet, and at Galloway Country Style.

The centre of Gatehouse of Fleet has hardly changed over the last two hundred years. The houses your ancestors lived in are probably still there. Trace your family history and visit the homes of your ancestors.

Special Places

The River Fleet

The River FleetThere are pretty walks alongside the Fleet as it meanders down through the valley. Bankside trees shade many favoured fishing pools. More.

Cairnholy II

Cairnholy IIOne of a pair of well preserved Neolithic tombs in a spectacular location. More.

Caerlaverock

Caerlaverock CastleOne of Scotland's greatest medieval castles - about an hour away, south of Dumfries. Can be combined with a visit to Sweetheart Abbey, the New Abbey Cornmill, (both also Historic Scotland), Caerlaverock Bird Reserve, or The National Museum of Costume at New Abbey. Historic Scotland:read more.

Cairnholy

CairnholyThere are two burial sites at Cairnholy dating from Neolithic times, both very well preserved and commanding fine views over Wigtown Bay. Cairnholy I is notable for the impressive facade, in front of which, archaeological evidence suggests, ceremonies took place. More.

Dundrennan Abbey

Dundrennan Abbey12th century Cistercian Abbey. Beautiful fragments of a fine building in a pituresque location. Historic Scotland: Read more.